Malachi 2:15

spirit

Summary of the Old Testament doctrine of the Holy Spirit:

(1) The personality and Deity of the Holy Spirit appear from the attributes ascribed to Him, and from His works.

(2) He is revealed as sharing the work of creation and therefore omnipotent (Genesis 1:2); (Job 26:13); (Job 33:4); (Psalms 104:30) as omnipresent (Psalms 139:7) as striving with men (Genesis 6:3) as enlightening (Job 32:8) enduing with constructive skill; (Exodus 28:3); (Exodus 31:3) giving physical strength (Judges 14:6); (Judges 14:19) executive ability and wisdom; (Judges 3:10); (Judges 6:34); (Judges 11:29); (Judges 13:25) enabling men to receive and utter divine revelations; (Numbers 11:25); (2 Samuel 23:2) and, generally, as empowering the servants of God; (Psalms 51:12); (Joel 2:28); (Micah 3:8); (Zechariah 4:6).

(3) He is called holy (Psalms 51:11) good (Psalms 143:10) the Spirit of judgment and burning (Isaiah 4:4) of Jehovah, of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, good, knowledge, the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2) and of grace and supplications (Zechariah 12:10).

(4) In the Old Testament the Spirit acts in free sovereignty, coming upon men and even upon a dumb beast as He will, nor are the conditions set forth (as in the New Testament) by complying with which any one may receive the Spirit. The indwelling of every believer by the abiding Spirit is a New Testament blessing consequent upon the death and resurrection of Christ (John 7:39); (John 16:7); (Acts 2:33); (Galatians 3:1).

(5) The Old Testament contains prediction of a future pouring out of the Spirit upon Israel (Exodus 37:14); (Exodus 39:29) and upon "all flesh" (Joel 2:28); (Joel 2:29). The expectation of Israel, therefore, was twofold -- of the coming of Messiah-Immanuel, and of such an effusion of the Spirit as the prophets described. See (Matthew 1:18).